Ben Sherman: The New King of Carnaby Street

Published on 26 October 2011 by Agony Uncle

The first time I ever set foot into Carnaby Street, London, I was excited. I’d already blurred my mind somewhat in the Tudor dream that is Liberty and was dizzied by the surrounds that had so much history ingrained in every inch of the brick-paved thoroughfare. From the swinging ’60s and its influence on contemporary fashion, to the sights it beholds today, stalked out by numerous established and aspiring street style photographers, it’s always been known as place to be seen; a real-life runway of sartorial skill. I was dressed impeccably to make a pilgrimage to one of the world’s style centres, feeling well besuited, bespectacled and coiffed; almost untouchable … until I dropped my iPod and the entire of Carnaby Street heard on loudspeaker that I’d been listening to Geri Halliwell. The shame!

Fortunately, that was a while ago and my pride has recovered, just in time to pay another visit to the rue for its latest attraction, the new Ben Sherman store. The multi-level boutique is a menswear mecca with shirting as far as the eye can see and butcher shop-style tiled columns reminiscent of the nearby Smithfield meat markets. One of its key attractions is the conveyor belt window display that allows passers-by to select shirts for closer inspection without even crossing the threshold. There’s even a “shirtiler” on hand to find you the perfect fit of shirt, which is Ben Sherman, naturally.

See it all in action here: